Ento originates from Cantù (Como, Italy), emerging from the esteemed classic handle company Salice Paolo, established in 1937 and renowned across over 80 countries. In 2018, after investing in modern designs for several years, Fabrizio and Luisa Salice, alongside creative director Davide Diliberto, made the strategic decision to carve it out from the classic portfolio. This move aimed to unlock greater growth opportunities and establish it as an independent brand.
Ento views handles not just as functional accessories, but as essential elements with dual significance – both practical and aesthetic. The brand seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technological innovation, and provides for the exclusive use of brass and 100% testing of samples at all finishing stages.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Currently, the company has an equal presence in the residential, contract and hospitality sectors. In the future, the goal is to grow especially in hospitality.
What are the ranges of products/services?
Ento offers a comprehensive range divided into three product categories: Architectural, Aesthetic, Special. This division aims to streamline the selection process for architects, interior designers, and clients, making it easier to choose accessories for their projects. Each category boasts an extensive array of variants and accessories, ensuring projects can be completed with coordinated elements.
What’s the news about new products?
The latest collections from Ento are Xū by Studio Neri&Hu and Stelo by Davide Diliberto, the brand’s designer and art director. Xū by Neri&Hu finds its stylistic hallmark in essentiality. The handle’s design echoes the inner part of the bamboo cane, its hollow stem. A formal reference that allows for minimizing the use of materials, following a trend pursued by Ento in its latest products. Stelo by Davide Diliberto combines the purity of forms with the sensuality of materials. Inspired by the elegance and precision of a fountain pen, Stelo is characterized by the texture of its grip. A precious texture that stimulates touch and sight, revealing the profound craftsmanship of the company.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
It is a growing market, and we are attracting more customers, which is why we are opening several stores.
What can you tell us about market trends?
All handle companies are expanding their range of finishes and offering more accessories to allow architects to create coordinated and customized designs. Additionally, companies are increasingly experimenting with three-dimensional textures, a trend already present in taps and fittings, a sector that often anticipates trends in the handle industry.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
The change to low R6 components includes both round and square rosettes and vents now being 6 mm high. This results in a more precise and quicker mounting system on the doors.
What estimations do you have for 2024?
We expect a recovery in 2024 with market growth.